Hey Readers,
August is nearly over and I find myself on a role with uploading blog posts this week, and as I am having a few days off from work I thought I would share my favorites for this month early. But I do apologise in advance for this post being quite long I am enjoying the time to sit and write a bit too much!!!
Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation 200 Soft Beige and Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 in the shade 842 Medium Beige.
After hearing a lot about the Rimmel wake me up foundation on you tube and other beauty blogs I decided to pick it up when Priceline had their 50% Rimmel sale in July. Its a medium coverage foundation that gives the skin a nice glow its not matte but its not overally dewy either. Coverage is reasonable so on a good skin day I find that if I just pat a little extra under my eyes concealer really isn't required. I do have to set this one with a powder though its not because I find I end up shiny during the day its more because this foundation does have glitter particles included. I have to say it is a down side particularly when you can see yourself sparkling looking in the mirror!!! This is were the Covergirl outlast stay fabulous comes to the rescue this is a medium to full coverage foundation that acts as a primer and concealer as well. Initially I really enjoyed this foundation it literally is put on and go no extra concealer or powder required and it lasts all day no shiny slick at the end of the day. But they're were some days I felt I just looked too matte, I found myself looking dry and cakey!! So not wanting to really ditch either from the makeup bag and still wanting the best of both worlds. I decided to mix them together!!! Its the perfect match coverage, concealing and finish that's not to matte and not to much glitter shine either!!!
Revlon Matte Blush in Rose Rapture
I have always walked passed the Revlon stand due to the fact I find it extremely expensive for what you seem to be getting. But after seeing a sale of their matte blushes on Ozsale.com I had to investigate. There are mixed reviews online and there is very little talk about these on youtube so I did go into Priceline and Target to test and swatch for myself!!! It was hard as the testers in both stores had seen better days, the product seem chalky and colour pay off not that great so I was still hesitant but given the RRP $23.95 and Ozsale were selling them away for $10-12 I had to try I am a bit blush obsessed can you tell :) !!!! At first this blush was really powdery, I didn't seem to be able to get a lot of product on my brush and went on quite sheer I nearly had my first fail for this serious of these blog posts. I should have trusted those dodgy testers!! but I persisted and a second and third try proved me wrong. This is a blush that you have to build and one dip with you brush isn't going to really give you much colour but I like that and have enjoyed building the colour intensity you can have a different blush look everyday without changing your blush. Rose Rapture is a medium pink tone which gives quite a natural flush to the cheeks it been perfect to add colour, warmth and glow to the face, it pairs well with a light bronzer which I use to contour but can still hold its own without.
BYS Blush in Pinch Me
This was a shopping my stash find this month!!! I got this in a price to clear bin in Kmart when BYS had a packaging change!!! Pinch me is a pink coral shade that reminds me of theBalms hot mama but more pink. It is quite pigmented so a light hand is required and with a light shimmer and blended out it gives a really beautiful glow!!
Bourjois Volume Glamour Max Mascara and Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless
This really has been the month for combos!!! This combination was also my go to combination for most of July. But given that I usually use mascaras for about three months this has also been a regular combo this month as well so I thought it was worth telling you about. The Bourjois Mascara was a freebie in the Priceline beauty bag this year and was one of the reasons I wanted to pick it up. But my relationship with this mascara has been a bit love hate!! I love it as the mascara does exactly what it says giving your lashes max volume making them look full, gorgeous and glamourous but hate it as it takes just that little bit more effort to put on. The formula is quite thick so you do have to watch when you apply so you don't over load your lashes making them clump or get excess product on your face. The brush is also quite large so it also makes getting to the bottom lashes difficult again without getting product all over your face or missing lashes all together. This is were the Rimmel comes in. This lash accelerator mascara saves the day for the bottom lashes its smaller brush allows you to extend and define all the lashes without it looking like you have two different mascaras on. So yes there are days were I just want to swipe my mascara on and go but for the days were I have time to put a little bit more effort into va va voom lashes this has been the combination for me.
Mirenesse Sexy Secret Eyes Primer
Have really been trying to remember the eye shadow primer this month, I've been working some long hours and its nice not to have to think about your eye shadow fading by the end of the day!!! This formula is a more opaque than the australis version of primer that goes on quite clear. But is matte unlike the essence I heart stage eye shadow base and a little of this product goes a long way and blends easily over the lid. It creates a great base and eyeshadows placed over the top lasts all day long which I have really enjoyed. This product can also be used as a concealer and brightener!!!
Sigma Precision Kit
Please excuse that I am photographing these brushes un washed!! But I have been enjoying them so much that I just keep picking them up every time I put my make up on and haven't had the chance to wash them!!! Most likely I will do a full review on all my sigma brushes later in the year but i had to include these ones as I think so far I have used them the most!!! I also had to include all five in this kit as I have tried them all and can't choose one that stands alone as a favorite I love them all!!! Sigma got it so right with these brushes they are amazing. Primarily I have used them to blend out my eye shadow primer, apply concealer and cream eye shadow. They really are handy and even better than fingertips to apply, blend and smooth product on the eyelids, under the eyes, around my nose, onto blemishes and discoloration. They are also really soft and not matter which shape you pick it allows product application directly to were you want it and ability to blend it out as well and it seems quicker then using fingers. Again I cannot pick a favorite I have really enjoyed using them all.
Face of Australia Sheer Gloss Lip Crayon in the shade Sundae
Another shop my stash favorite this month!!! I am not an overly confident lip colour wearer so I often tend to stick to a small amount of gloss or just a plain clear balm. I am also terrible at remembering to reapply so often the product is left forgotten in my hand bag!!! Sundae is very natural my lips but better nude shade that is both buildable and really wearable. This colour just glides on so easy is moisturing and long lasting. It pairs with any eye look and is great just to add a little colour whenever!!!
Simple Kind to Skin Purifying Cleansing Lotion
I picked this up from priceline when the simple range was 20% off as I have been recently looking for an alternative to my John Plunkett creme cleanser which has been hard to find in store and I really didn't want to have to constantly be buying online. It was the only product at the time I worked out I could use with or without water and I use it the same way as I have the John Plunketts. Applying straight to my skin, working the product all over and removing with damp cotton rounds. It gets off all my makeup including eyeliner and mascara. I not only like the fact it gets my makeup off at the end of the day but also that I can pick it up whenever I need from my local shops or supermarket.
So that is all my favorites for the month of August I hope this post wasn't too long and you have enjoyed reading to the end!! I hope that the month has gone well for you all!!! As we say goodbye to August, I cannot wait for September, spring and the weather to warm up and more favorites untill then
Happy reading and Happy Shopping!!!!
Ever.
Hey Readers,
Hope this post finds you well!! Well we find ourselves another month receiving another LHI box. Yep its gone quick to say the least and there's lots to talk about so lets get started!!!
Nude by Nature Natural Tinted Mineral Moisturiser
Have really enjoyed this product from LHI this month. I have used it mainly on weekends for a lighter makeup option and while it doesn't provide a lot of coverage to the skin it does even out skin tone quite well. It also pairs extremely well with a pressed powder or mineral makeup buffed in over the top. The added extra of sunscreen has also been a bonus.
Knotties.
As a single hair band these do not hold my hair that well it is too long and heavy but added to the end of a plait or braid I have really enjoyed a bit of colour and print over my usual boring plain old hair bands.
ColourSmash Hair Shadow
Did not try this product out during the month as I said in my original post I am not very experimental with my hair am thinking that this one will most likely be re gifted to a better home.
Schwarzkopf Extra Care Volume Powder
Initially this product scared me a little!! Being a powder I had visions of ending up looking like I had white dust in my hair post sanding a wall!!! Thankfully it does blend into the hair easily and does give great volume it just takes a little bit of extra time to use and as I don't have a lot of time in the mornings to style my hair it didn't get a lot of love this month.
Swisse Hand Cream
As I had already been using a tube of this one I gave my mum the tube I had received in last months box. Her hands have been terribly dry and rough as well as a little sore post being in water. She has really enjoyed using it so much so she went out and bought the full size version. The tube is kept in her handbag and the large pump pack at home. I do love this moisturiser it can be used all over not just on the hands it sinks in quickly doesn't leave your hands greasy and is long lasting.
Health Essentials zNano Active Gold Eye Patches
Another product that didn't get a lot of love this month!!! I know I said I would try these ones but myself and anti wrinkle products just don't seem to mix!!! I put the packet away in my storage draw and they have stayed there all month sorry guys!! I will try harder in the future to give these kind of products a try and be able to give a proper review.
California Mango Mango and Jojoba hand and body Lotion
I still have not used this one as I put it into my wet pack for travelling, I was meant to be going away this month but that has been rescheduled to October!!! Will give a review when I have used it later in the year!!!
This months box comes with the theme of Celebration at the time of its arrival I was a little clueless as to what we were celebrating. As the product description card did not give much away I had to do a bit of research. Which informed me that LHI have turned 2!!! So Happy 2nd Birthday LHI!!! This celebration box really is like we have received a present and overall I am impressed!!!.
Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights face Illuminator in the shade 200 Pink Light recieved a 30ml full size.
Was surprised to see this included in the box. I have walked past these many a time but could not justify the price tag!! I am really interested to give this a go particularly under my makeup for an overall glow but also as a general cheek highlight. Swatched lightly I can see a little bit of product goes a long way and it is quite reflective so am interested to see if the result its subtle glow or is a little more intense!!!!
Revlon Nearly Naked Makeup received four samples in various shades full size is 30ml.
Initially I have to say I was disappointed to only receive a sample card with such small amounts of product and have that included as a product on the card to me this should just be an added bonus sample. Having said that I have been really wanting to try this one but again have held back due to price point. I also know that often there is a lot of unhappiness when ladies don't get the right shade of these products in a box and I guess a choice of four varying shades allows you to try see if you can find a close match and if you suit the foundation before buying a full size!!! Looking at the packaging I feel I will be either a natural or true beige but will give a try and see!!!
KMS CaliforniaFree Shape Shampoo and Conditioner received a 12ml conditioner sample full size is 250ml
These products are said to increase manageability and pliability of hair in preparation for heat styling!! After reading the product card I assumed that I should have received a sample of both the shampoo and conditioner but after looking at other ladies blogs and instagram it seems we all only got one!! Will still try with my usual shampoo and see how it goes.
KMS California Add Volume Volumising Spray received a 30ml sample full size is 200ml.
This spray is said to increase volume and provide fullness especially for super fine hair!! That I have so am excited to give this a try!! Being a spray I am hoping it is quick and easy to use!!!
Sinfulcolours Sinfulcolours Nail Enamel in the shade 395 Folly received a 15ml full size bottle.
These polishes are said to be long wearing and chip resistant. Folly is a bright pink glossy polish that I think will get a lot of wear on my toes when the days get a little warmer at the moment I am finding it a little bright on my fingernails!!!
Lush Skin's Shangri La Facial Moisturiser received a 10g deluxe sample full size is 45g
The description states that this is a supreme moisturiser that will make your skin feel like its in heaven!!! Cannot wait to try and given its thickness and richness it will most likely become my new night cream.
La Roche Posay Thermal spring water recieved a 50ml full size is 300ml
This is a thermal spring water spray that soothes the skin as well as preventing skin ageing as well as being a natural anti oxidant. Not a huge user of these products but will give it a try!!!
La Roche Posay LIPIKAR Balm recieved a 15ml sample full size is 400ml.
This is a lipid replenishing body balm that offer 24 hour anti irritation and anti scratch. Not sure about needing an anti scratch/itch cream but I will give a try and see what its like.
OK so that is all for my present from LHI this month. I have to say I love birthdays and I am really excited by all the products included. I cannot wait to start using everything and I will share my thoughts with you next month. Until then happy reading happy shopping.
Ever.
Hey Readers,
Hope this post finds you well!!! My August Bellabox has seemed to arrive a little late this month so I won't ramble too much I'll just get straight into my review for July and what I have received in my new box!!
Lux City Guide Lux London Edition
Well sadly this month no one offered me a trip to London this month :( so this little guide has sat on my desk unused!! I'll keep it on hand and maybe one day I'll be able to give it a whirl!!!
Yu-Be Moisturizing skin Cream
This little tube intrigued me this month the cream itself is quite thick and has a slight camphor smell but it is so soft and smooth to apply. Initially I was thinking of using it on dry patches on my hands and cuticles as my hands are still not loving the cold of winter!! But mid this month I ended up with a terrible cold and my lips ended up so dry, chapped and sore that my usual balm just wasn't helping. I applied this lightly overnight and the next morning my lips felt a thousand times better!!!
La Fresh Eco Beauty Nail Polish Remover Acetone Free Pad
I am still disappointed that we did not receive more than one pad in July's box. This pad not only had a wonderful orange scent but it did also take off 10 nails worth of polish with no excessive rubbing or sticky residue left behind I was really impressed and would like to try more.
RubiFresh Cleansing Oil
This is just an amazing product!! I am still flawed every time I use it at how it just melts away a hard days makeup and doesn't leave my skin feeling like an oil slick!!!!
Clear Scalp and Hair Beauty Therapy Total Nourishing Care Shampoo and Conditioner
As I said in my original post I was initially impressed by this shampoo and conditioner especially given the amount of hype that has surrounded it. It left my hair soft smooth and silky I didn't feel I needed any extra treatments or products to keep it manageable. However now I have mixed feelings!!! I did find that this clean feeling didn't last long I really felt at the end of the second day my hair needed a wash and in a busy week were I wouldn't get time to wash my hair till the afternoon of a third day it just felt dry and like straw but if I washed that morning my hair would be great again, I also found you need quite a lot of product to get a decent wash so its for that reason I'm not sure I would repurchase!!
ModelCo Cheek and Lip Tint
Have used this product a lot this month really enjoyed that the colour is matte and intensity buildable its a gorgeous red pink that gives the cheeks a natural flush and its so easy to apply.
These next two items are the only ones from the box this month Furlesse Elevens and Libra Hotties Heat Patches. If you have read my previous posts you will know that I am not a huge fan of anti wrinkle products as for the hotties patches I actually forgot I had them oops!!
Get Active is the theme for the August BB and most of the products included in this box are handy for life on the go!!
Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser full size is 150ml
This product is a naturally based exfoliating cleanser that contains Jojoba beads, saponaria and chamomile. To both exfoliate and cleans the skin naturally. Unfortunately while this product sounds good I only recieved the outer card packaging the tube of product itself was missing from my box. I have contacted BB and they will send me another so I will put pictures and a review into my next post.
ASAP Ultimate Hydration recieved a 15ml sample full size is 50ml.
This is a moisturiser that includes Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Hydrasalinol and Evening Primrose Oil to improve skin hydration, formation and maintenance of collagen, improve skin elasticity, tone and texture. Am really interested to try this product a moisturiser is always a staple in my skin care routine however rushed morning have lead me to forgetting to put in on so this sample size will make it easy to add to my makeup bag.
Ultraceuticals Ultra CC Cream Mineral tint recieved 5ml sample in the shade medium full size is 50ml.
CC stands for Complete Correction and it says it provides coverage as well as hydration and protection with the inclusion of SPF 30. This product is one that I am interested to try!! I really enjoy trying these alternate versions to a tinted moisturiser or BB creams it also is handy on a good skin day to be able to pop something like this on before light foundation and negate the need for extra concealer!!!
Loreal Base Magique Primer recieved a 5ml sample full size is 15ml
This primer smoothes pores and fine lines with inclusion of soft powders to absorb sebum reducing shine and mattifying the skin creating a smooth surface and allowing makeup to last all day. Don't always think about primers as usually I moisturise before I put makeup on but interested to see what this one is like.
Banana Boat Mineral Protect Sensitive SPF 30+ received a full size 120g
This is a sunscreen that is not only 30+ but also includes natural zinc that remains clear. It is 4 hours water resistant. This will definitely get some use this month as I spend more time outdoors now that the weather is getting warmer.
Talavou Naturals Illuminisor Lustre sample size full size is 8g
This is a bronzing illuminator that can be used as a highlighter on the cheeks and eyes but can also mixed with a moisturiser for an all over glow.
Tom Organic Regular Tampons
This is the get active gift from bellabox this month. Not the most exciting gift I've ever received but it is a practical one!!!
So overall another great box from BB liking that they are keeping the variety and standard of the box high. Am interested to try products from a few higher end brands and will give you my thoughts next month!!! Until then happy reading and happy shopping!!
Ever.
Hey Readers,
Hope this post finds you well!!! This post is going to be a quick review on the sample sized Sigma Spa Brush Cleansing Glove. I received this sample sized version of the Sigma Spa Brush Cleansing Glove when I ordered my Sigma brushes as a gift for spending over $30!!! While I had looked at the full sized version when I ordered my brushes I have seen mixed reviews and didn't really want to pay $35 when I can get my brushes clean on my own.
If you haven't heard of the Sigma Spa Brush Cleansing Glove its a specially designed dual sided glove that has various textured surfaces to allow quick, easy and effective cleaning of all makeup brushes. Textures have been designed to remove all makeup quicker and using smaller amounts of cleaning solution. In total there are 6 unique textured patterns for face and eye brushes that wash, rinse, refine and shape your brushes.
The mini version (about the size of an iPhone 4 see photo below) is literally a one sided downsized version of the glove with only the shape texture missing. You are really able to get a feel for how the textures work and see how much this glove really does help to clean your brushes and if this mini version is anything to go by the full size version must be amazing. I was blown away at how much product came out of my brushes. Usually my foundation brushes will need to be washed and rinsed multiple times before the water runs clear but with this I only had to try once. It definitely saves time and washing brushes isn't so much of a chore!!! I have used for both my new sigma brushes and my real techniques brushes and it has worked well for both.
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I am really impressed and glad that I have had a chance to try before I potentially buy!!! Would I buy...hmm probably not while I am really enjoying using this sample version and am amazed at how well it cleans I just cannot justify the money however if it were to go one special and the price was right I would probably buy a full size one!!!
So I hope this helps a little if you are thinking of purchasing. If you are thinking of buying some brushes soon the promotion to receive this mini version as a free gift for an over $30 spend is still running if you want to see the full size in action Sigma do have a demonstation video on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5dU_Us7j-A
Until next time happy reading and happy shopping!!!
Ever.
Hey Readers,
Hope this post finds you well!!! If you saw my June Bellabox post you would know I received a much sort after Sigma E25 Blending brush in that post I also admitted that the only reason I'd never bought any sigma brushes was that I could never decide on what I really wanted without it ending up costing me a fortune!!! Well I have finally made the decision two things prompted me in the end. One was seeing a makeup tutorial of an eye look that I wanted to recreate and I realised I didn't even have similar brushes to complete the look and when I went on their website realising that they were running a 20% off code!!! Given I'd found this and the promotion was nearly over I had to come up with a way of figuring out how to choose what brushes I wanted!! My thoughts were to just go with a kit and thinking the travel one to start given I do travel with my makeup and brushes more than I do my makeup at home.
But there were brushes in the kits that I knew I just wouldn't use and I didn't want to spend on brushes I wasn't going to take out of the packaging. So I went through each category and chose the brushes that I most wanted it did start to get expensive and with that in mind I did take a few out but overall I chose the ones that I feel will get the most use!!!
Face Brushes
F88-Flat Angled Kabuki
Aptly named this is a flat topped angled kabuki and I had seen this when Sigma first realeased it and had looked at it over and over thinking it would be the perfect foundation brush for me. The description says that it is perfect for blending cream product seamlessly onto hard to reach areas working especially well for the cheeks and contours of the nose. I have always found it hard to get foundation perfect around my nose and my lips so thought this would be the perfect. The bristles on this brush are quite dense but are still soft to touch and on the face cannot wait to give it a try.
F15-Duo Fibre Powder and Blush
I bought this one as I often really enjoy brushes that have multiple uses again travelling a lot I don't have heaps of room to spare in my bag so its handy to have brushes that lend themselves to multi tasks. This can be used for powder including mineral products as well as blush not sure were it will fall for me I originally thought for powder touch ups but its a better size then my other blush brush so it may get use there too!!!
F05-Small Contour.
I picked this up as I wanted a more rounded top contour brush it seems all the ones I've looked at lately are quite flat and I really don't like the finish that those brushes give. I also got the small size as I thought it would make a good highlighting brush as well.
Synthetic Precision Kit(P80-Precision Flat,P82-Precision Round,P84-Precision Angled,P86-Pecision Tapered,P88-Pecision Flat Angled.)
This kit contains 5 brushes which are all mini versions of the foundation brushes Sigma has to offer. These are all synthetic brushes which sigma developed to mimic the fingertips giving you the ability to apply product to the most sensitive and precise areas. They can apply powder, cream and liquid product. Originally I just wanted the P88 so I had the mini version of my foundation brush which I thought would be good for concealer. I then read that the P82 which is the round is good for cream eye shadow and primer and looking at the angled version I thought would possibly be good for cream and liquid highlight. It was at that point I thought it worth buying the kit. I'm interested to see how they apply product and whether they do as well as fingertips!!
Eye Brushes.
I actually don't own that many decent eye shadow brushes up until this point I have made do with an odd assortment of brushes I have acquired over time to replicate looks from youtube and beauty bloggers. I always really wanted a good quality matching set and while I chose these brushes individually they still all match bonus!!
E55-Eye Shading
This is a general all purpose eye shadow application brush its short dense bristles mean that you can pack on and blend shadow all over the lid.
E20-Short Shader
This is small shadow brush about half the height of the E55 and is designed for putting colour under the lash line and applying colour to the outer lid.
E25-Blending
I know I already own this one but the amount of times I've used my other one to put colour in the crease and then need a clean brush to blend I thought having two would be handy!!!
E47-Shader Crease.
This is a looks like a rather thin blending brush with a slight point at the end I find it hard to get a really defined crease and this makes it easy to place colour directly I also think it may be good for putting colour in the outer V.
E21-Smudge
The name says it all its a small dense bristled brush and I got this as I often wish to soften the liner on my lash line I also feel it could be great for inner corner highlight.
E30-Pencil
Iv'e seen this used so much in youtube tutorials and always thought it would be handy to have. Its dense tapered brush that is soft so it can be used to place colour in the outer corner, blend and smudge colour on the upper or lower lashes and add highlight to the inner corner.
The shipping from Sigma was a little on the expensive side but they were delivered to my door within two weeks despite the information saying four to six. Overall I am extremely happy with my choices and cannot wait to give them all a try!!!
Until next time happy reading and happy shopping
Ever.
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